You are wisely doing your best to prepare your daughter for your eventual return to work and her eventual time with a babysitter. However, your daughter just isn't quite ready. Some kids at 2 years old are very happy to spend time with a new person. They'll take to anyone who will read them a story or take them for a walk. However, some children at this age only want the people they are close to - usually parents and other people who have looked after them from infancy. Your daughter is in this latter group. As such, she is perfectly within the norm. However, it is understandable that you don't want her to be upset when you leave. Eventually, of course, she won't be. Meanwhile, can you just accept her upset and offer her some emotional coaching? Just say something like, "I know you want Mommy to stay. Mommy has to go out now for a few minutes and Babysitter will be looking after you. I know you are sad. Mommy will be back very soon." Then just calmly go and of course, come back in just a few minutes. When you're daughter is used to that routine (i.e. has stopped crying at your departure), then gradually lengthen the time you are out. Now it could be that she will stop being upset within a few more days or a few weeks or perhaps a couple of months. If progress is slow, you might try giving her the "separation anxiety" remedy called Mimulus (one of the Bach Flowers - ask about it in your health food store or look for a Bach Flower Practitioner).    Sarah Chana